California Legislators, including Rep. Mike Thompson, requested a Disaster Declaration because of the wildfires burning throughout the state, Thompson’s office staff announced Tuesday.

Thompson, and more than 20 Republican and Democratic House Members, including Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23) and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (CA-12), made the request, citing the “catastrophic scope of Mendocino Complex, and Steele Fires,” they said.

They wrote to President Donald Trump, asking him to immediately grant California’s request for the destructive wildfires that have hit Lake, Mendocino, and Napa counties over the past two weeks.

“California has experienced an unusual amount of wildfire activity — with 16 wildfires burning simultaneously throughout the state,” the letter says. “These fires have been exacerbated by the weather, which is exceptionally hot and dry. Daytime highs and nighttime lows have averaged 10 degrees above normal and drought conditions prevail. We appreciate your swift approval of a Major Disaster Declaration for Shasta County for the Carr Fire, as well as of Fire Management Assistance Grants, to help our state fight these devastating fires. As you know, the Carr Fire that began its devastating impact in Shasta County has also crossed into Trinity County, where mandatory evacuation orders were issued and additional assistance may be required.”

The letter notes that on July 27, the River and Ranch Fires ignited in Mendocino County and quickly crossed into Lake County.

“These two fires, collectively known as the Mendocino Complex Fire, subsequently exploded in size, threatening highly populated areas within Lake County,” it says. “They have scorched more than 280,000 acres and forced the entire population of Upper Lake and the city of Lakeport to evacuate. The Mendocino Complex Fire continues to grow at an alarming rate, and is now the largest fire in our state’s history. It is only 30 percent contained.”

In addition, it says, on the evening of July 28, the Steele Fire ignited in Napa County.

“Though smaller in size than the Carr or Mendocino Complex Fires, the Steele Fire has already been extremely destructive. Residents were forced to flee with almost no prior notice, as the fire destroyed homes soon after ignition,” it says.

These catastrophic fires are a disaster of major scope and consequence, the letter says.

“Therefore, we strongly support the State of California’s request for a major disaster declaration for these communities,” the lawmakers wrote. “We appreciate your consideration of this request and stand ready to assist you in expediting support and resources to the communities afflicted by this terrible tragedy.”